Get Jammin' In Deadwood

Get Jammin’ in Deadwood

By Molly Barari

You are personally invited to the biggest music jam in the Black Hills! This year’s Deadwood Jam takes place September 12-14 in Deadwood.

You’ve probably heard of the Jam already, but there are a few new things happening at the event this year. First, the event is moving to Main Street.

The Jam was scheduled to coincide with the opening of Deadwood’s new Outlaw Square, but because of construction delays due to weather, the Jam concerts will take place on Main Street—just like they do at Kool Deadwood Nites.

Since the Jam was planned along with the opening of Outlaw Square, it was decided that admission would be free this year. But even with the construction delay, the event will still be held at no charge.

“We decided to have it be free anyway as a thank you to all the loyal followers who have been coming to the Jam for 28 years,” says Bill Pearson, Chairman of Deadwood Jam.

Pearson is personally excited for this year’s event because it marks a milestone in his life. “I’m stepping down as chair after 10 years in that role, and prior to that, 10 years as a Jam board member responsible for sponsorships.”

The upcoming opening of Outlaw Square is also exciting for Pearson because he is chairman of the Main Street Initiative—formerly known as the Deadwood Revitalization Committee.

Pearson says Deadwood Jam offers a unique atmosphere for music lovers. “It’s a festival atmosphere with an eclectic selection of musical genres, all in the heart of Historic Deadwood,” he says. “There are very few locations that can match it.”

The Jam also has unique demographics, seeing attendance that heavilyfalls into the 30 to 70 age group. That’s whyrock is the main theme at the Jam. “This yearwe have Melvin Seals & JG Band for all theDeadheads out there,” says Pearson.

Pearson says the Jam appeals to Baby Boomersfor several reasons. “Music, fall colors, gaming, fine eateries, history, and fun saloons!” He says.“As a Baby Boomer myself, I’m going to the 50thanniversary of Woodstock to hear Ringo Starr, Santana, and the Doobie Brothers in August. We also had the Deadwood class of ’69 50th reunion a few weeks ago.”

To help raise money to sustain the Jam, Pearsonsays an art auction was added two years ago. “Ithas been successful due in part to Jacobs Art Gallerydonating and helping to host the event. This year weare stretching out the silent auction through the Jam,culminating before our headliner on Saturday night.”

Pearson says locals look to the Deadwood Jam as the perfect end to a busy summer. Hesays the Jam couldn’t go on withoutall the sponsors and volunteerswho make it a success. The wholetown gets involved, from the ParksDepartment to the City Commission.

“We be jamming!” Says Pearson. Now it’s time to get your jam on, too!

Jam Schedule

Thursday, September 12

3rd Annual Art and Jam Auction at Jacob’s ArtGallery, 670 Main St.

6 – 8 p.m.: Live and Silent Auction

Friday, September 13

Music starts at 5 p.m.

Frogleg

The Yawpers

Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Saturday, September 14

Gates open at 11 a.m., music starts at noon

My 2nd Rodeo

Kind Country

Hillstomp

Dragondeer

Melvin Seals & J G Band

Leftover Salmon

For more info, visit deadwoodjam.com.